After a historic debut season, Cumberland County Jets basketball player Triston Futrell said he is not easing into his sophomore year. He is stepping forward.
The Cumberland County Jets guard has improved from his first varsity season, where he earned District Freshman of the Year honors after stepping into a starting role and immediately producing. Futrell continues to deliver consistent scoring, knock down perimeter shots with confidence and provides steady playmaking that helps elevate Cumberland County’s backcourt. Futrell said the recognition meant something deeper than a trophy.
Futrell said the jump to high school basketball was not seamless. Futrell said early in the season, the speed of the game and the expectations of varsity competition tested him mentally as much as physically.
“I think at first I was struggling, I was getting in my head and stuff,” Futrell said. “[Coach Goodwin] said, don’t even think about it, just go out there and play. And he says that more and more and I actually know when he’s starting to mean it, starting to ring a bell.”
Futrell said he struggled initially to adjust to varsity concepts and expectations.
“It was a rough [first few games,] but when I started getting the hang of stuff, it went pretty easily,” Futrell said.
Once the mental hurdle cleared, the production followed. Futrell has showcased the scoring bursts that made him one of the Jets’ most dangerous weapons. He poured in 18 points, including five 3-pointers, in a December matchup against Walker Valley. He matched that 18-point effort in a win over York and continued to contribute timely baskets in district play.
Now as he enters the final months of his sophomore campaign, Futrell said his growth is tied closely to his relationship with head coach Christian Goodwin.
“He’s helped me a lot,” Futrell said. “He’s given me opportunities, he’s helped me with stuff [if] I needed it, and he’s been really helpful as a coach.”
Futrell’s second season will see the Jets move on to the region tournament. Cumberland County looks to head past where last season ended.